Sewnoma

I really want my grandmother's sewing machine; the one I learned how to sew on. I have bought one just like it, but I want HERS, specifically. It's not a rare or special machine beyond its sentimental value, but it was like an extension of my Gran's body for so many years and I miss her, so I want it to live with me. That's really my ultimate, must-have machine. Fortunately it's still in the family, and has been earmarked to come to me when my aunt passes on.

SteveH

Wow, that is so cool! I would trade ANY machine in my collection just to have my Grandmothers old Singer 66 Treadle, but it was sent to the dump by her son....

My new "ultimate must have" is a Grover & Baker Handcrank. I have had the honor and privilege of working on one (that belongs to someone else) that was made in 1857. They were first made in 1856 and they are the worlds FIRST portable/handcrank lockstitch machine.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]532916[/ATTACH]

costumegirl

That G&B is a very nice looking machine!

Mickey2

I try to be a bit practically oriented and only take on machines I actually will end up using, but I have developed an interest in roses. I grow them in my garden, visit rosariums, have several books on garden roses, etc. Singer and I'm sure other brands used to have a japanned decor with roses. I think it's model 12 that comes in this decor, a very impractical machine when it comes to needles, bobbins and electrical setup, but they look so nice with their fiddle base and lots of roses. I don't think it's decals, maybe partly handpainted. On the web I have seen model 28 with roses, maybe a bit easier to set it up with motor and light than model 12, it has to look right too.

tessagin

great looking machine.

SteveH

Motor on a 12...shudder.... Ewwwww.

The 12's are some of the best and smoothest sewing machines you will ever use. There is a reason that they were copied even more than the later model 15's. Every major country in the later 1800's through the early 1900's copied it.

The needles are actually still being made (5000 at a time, special order - but folks sell them)
Replacement bobbins are also still available.
They take standard low shank feet so the options are almost limitless.

Get a handcrank version and you will never go back to an electric portable!

Edit: if you like roses, you should check out the VS2 roses
[ATTACH=CONFIG]532920[/ATTACH]

Mickey2

Oh, yes exactly like that SteveH, is it yours? They rarely turn up here, all kinds of decals, but not many with roses. I have never had my hands on a model 15 or a VS2, VS2 is new to me. Model 28 is more likely to turn up sooner.

SteveH

This particular machine was originally owned by the niece of NY Governer Fenton in the late 1800's. He lived in Jamestown NY (where I am from). It was listed on Ebay as a pick-up ONLY, and because of that it did not sell after two listings. My Folks still live in Jamestown, so they agreed to pick it up and ship it for me. $100

Here is the thread from when I got it.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/vintage...y-t246476.html

Mickey2

That's a lucky find. I prefer local pick up too, for both selling and buying. I don't trust couriers nor packaging. The paint and decals are very nice for a machine of that age, what did you use to clean and polish it up? I'm not very afraid to clean up the younger machines, but yours are 120 years old and very nice condition. People with flawless condition machines are very carefull with their machines, cover the base with cling film to prevent surface stratches. I polish mine to hopefully get a protective film on the surface, and maybe a bit of shine back into worn paint. Do you dare sew on your fantastic machine?

SteveH

Sewing machine oil and a microfiber cloth for all painted areas, brasso and a soft cotton cloth for all metal work.

LOL, I sew on ALL of my machines. This VS2 is my #2 goto machine. #1 is the Jones Serpentine, then this, then the Singer 12 MOP.